Microchannel reactor technologies for biodiesel production

Recently, due to the depletion of hydrocarbon fuel reserves, considerable attention has been paid to the development of effective methods for the synthesis of biofuel and biodiesel fuel, including from renewable sources of raw materials. However, the high cost of biodiesel production requires the development of new technological approaches. This has led to the active development in chemistry and chemical technology of the use of microchannel technologies for the synthesis of biodiesel fuel. The use of microchannel (MC) reactors contributes to the intensification and safety of chemical processes, which leads to economic and environmental benefits for the chemical industry. The miniature dimensions of MC reactors make it possible to save materials during their manufacture, as well as resources during operation. The increased values of heat and mass transfer in MC channels contribute to a significant increase in the productivity of MC reactors, exceeding the productivity of classical reactors in industry by 1-2 orders of magnitude. This review analyzes the literature for 2020-2024 on the use of microchannel technologies for the synthesis of biodiesel fuel. Particular attention has been paid to the advantages and disadvantages of MC reactors, as well as the main trends in their development.